Lanesboro Artist-in-Residence, Martha Bird will be demonstrating a complicated regional French weaving form, the Perigord Technique at the Lanesboro Farmer’s market from 9-noon on August 27th. Alongside her live demonstration, Bird will be showing a video recording of one of her pieces and the collaborative dance performance it inspired. As the actual process of weaving can be all-absorbing, the video includes a voice over by Bird that explores her process and her relationship with willow as a medium so that visitors can not only see her work the technique, but can learn more about her artistry while she does it. Come observe an artist at work, and learn more about her process!
Bird describes this particular technique demonstration, saying, “The Perigord Technique is specific to the south of France and until recently was kept secret from outsiders. One woman, Eva Seidenfaden from Denmark, traveled to the south of France, learned the weaving style and was given the blessing of the people to teach it and share it with others. I am one of a few in the US that know this technique. This spiral shape inspires a range of ideas for me including: the bodily manifestation of trauma, incorporating experiences from the past to transform life, resiliency, potential and the origins of life. I’ll be using 4 ft long basketry willow, that has been dried and then prepared by soaking it for 5 days prior to the demo.”
Lanesboro Arts is proud to feature weaver, sculptor, nurse, and mental health advocate Martha Bird as the Lanesboro Arts Artist in Residence from August 15th – September 12th, 2022.
During her residency, Bird will create and install a temporary outdoor sculpture made from fresh willow. Grounded in the potentiality for basketry to serve as a source of physical, mental, and communal healing, Bird intends to address the mental health of individuals and communities through art and art based interactions.
Click here to learn more about Martha Bird and her Residency.
About Martha Bird
Educated as a Public Health and Board Certified Holistic RN, Martha’s vision is to “use my own art and process to integrate community involvement and utilize my knowledge to empower people to follow their passion and include it in their life, so they can be as well and healthy as possible.” Martha uses basketry techniques as a starting point to create expansive conceptual sculpture that both carry forward the traditional craft and challenge its utilitarian assumptions. Her work draws from her own professional expertise and life experiences to explore the human body, manifestations of trauma, and concepts of resilience, energy and growth. Martha has brought her meditative practice and depth of knowledge to lecture audiences across the United States, and her work has been featured in art exhibitions across Minnesota and throughout the country.
The Lanesboro Artist Residency Program is supported by the Jerome Foundation.
